The bill, S.B. No. 1819, amends the Education Code to enhance the assessment of public school students in grade five by introducing a requirement for social studies evaluation. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (a-17) to Section 39.023, which mandates that the Texas education agency ensure that one of the assessment instruments used for fifth graders includes an evaluation of essential knowledge and skills in social studies.

This new requirement will be implemented starting with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill is designed to improve the educational framework by ensuring that social studies is adequately assessed alongside other subjects, thereby promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the curriculum among students. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.023 (Education Code 39)